We continue discussing the conditions and the benefits of the du`as and the cure that Allah (swt) gave us through asking Him through different ways of du`a. We mentioned six different places (occasions) when du`a can be done and it is accepted, which doesn’t mean du`a cannot be done anywhere else and cannot be accepted; no, it can be accepted, but this is more acceptable and more quick to be accepted than in the other times. And we mentioned these six different places that I think everyone has (written); if anyone doesn’t have them they can go back to sufilive.com and check them, inshaa-Allah. Let’s go through them quickly.

The conditions of making du`a:
1) To have full wudu.
2) To sit facing qiblah.
3) To praise Allah and thank Him.
4) To make salawaat on the Prophet (s).
5) The du`a has an opening; you do not enter a house without knocking, it is adab to knock at the door.

Begin the du`a:
To enter in the Divine Presence of Allah (swt) so that the Door will be opened, you must first read, “Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem alhamdulillahi rabbi ‘l-`alameen wa ’s-salaat wa ’s-salaam `alaa ashrafi ’l-mursaleen Sayyidina Muhammadin wa `alaa aalihi wa sahbihi ajma`een,” then make your du`a.

We learned this adab from our guides, Grandshaykh `AbdAllah (q) and our master Mawlana Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani, may Allah give him long life. On many occasions we saw when Mawlana is reciting his du`a it is immediately accepted, as he is pure and his breath is clean with no sin, no fitna, no shirk, nothing (no flaw)!

Once we were with Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad Nazim (q) in Mecca making tawaaf. We made the first, the second, the third tawaaf and on the fourth we were between Hajar al-Aswad and Baab al Ka`aba, in that area. Subhaan-Allah, it wasn’t so crowded and Mawlana (q) stopped and stood before Baab al-Multazam, saying, “Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem alhamdulillahi rabbi ‘l-`alameen wa ’s-salaat wa ’s-salaam `alaa ashrafi ‘l-mursaleen Sayyidina Muhammadin wa `alaa aalihi wa sahbihi ajma`een,” then he began du`a, saying, “Yaa Rabbee, we came here from very far place to Your home and we are Your guests, and Your guests await Your rahmat and Your rahmat is to shower us with it, and the symbol of that rahmah is rain, send us rain!” We were at the Ka`aba and he was ilhaa, being persistent, “Send us rain, send us rain, send us rain, yaa Rabbee! You are the Generous,” persisting and asking, asking, asking, and people were circumambulating the Ka`aba, and then finally he was preparing all this, knocking on the Door, and then finally he said, “For the sake of the Prophet (s), bi-jaahi’n-Nabi (s)!” And as soon as he raised his hands and said, “For sake of the Prophet (s),” you could see the clouds coming from everywhere. It was really extraordinary and you cannot imagine it! They came from everywhere and when they hit each other thunder came, and you never heard thunder there and it was 40 degrees Centigrade, 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and suddenly it was pouring rain!

In half-an-hour the water was up to the belly, as in that time in the 60’s there was no sewer to take water away, so it was flooded. We had to run to another section in order not to be covered in rain, and you are covered in rain! Before we went up, Mawlana (q) went under Meezaab ar-Rahmat, that drain pipe from which rainwater flows from the roof of the Ka`aba. The Ottomans made it of gold, but before it was wood and in the time of the Prophet (s) people used sit there and drink its water or make wudu or whatever they wanted to do. We went there with Mawlana (q) and drank water from the pipe and then went to another section in order not to be under water. Mecca was completely underwater for six-seven hours and then the water began to slowly, slowly go down.

That is an example of the immediate acceptance of awliya’s du`a! And we are common people, so we have to keep making du`a in order that Allah (swt) will check our patience and then He grants us acceptance!

Don’t forget that the best du`a is through the Means of the Prophet (s) and through Allah’s Beautiful Names and Attributes, and it is not only that (quotes from a book.):

He raises his two hands to Allah and then begins with praising Allah and thanking Him and follows that by salawaat on the Prophet (s), and then he presents his needs in front of Allah then he enters into Allah’s Presence, [symbolically through thinking (taffakur, contemplation) that he is entering the Divine Presence] and then he will insist and persist and ask continuously, showing humility and weakness in front of Allah (swt), and he asks Allah, seeking His Pleasure and fearing Him, and he asks intercession for that du`a through Allah’s Beautiful Names and Attributes and through His Oneness.

And now an important point. First you did everything by thanking Allah, praising the Prophet (s) asking the means of Prophet, coming to Divine Presence, entering and asking through Allah’s Beautiful Names and Attributes and through His Oneness, and now the key point:

وقدم بين يدي دعائه صدقة فان هذا الدعاء لا يكاد يرد أبدا

Wa qadama idayi du`a sadaqatan fa inna hadha ad-du`a la yakaadu yuradu abadan, And in Allah’s Divine Presence he presents his du`a with a charity and then he says, “That du`a done in the way that we described that du`a will never be rejected.”

This way du`a is accepted immediately and if you give no charity, you don’t know if it will be accepted.You have to end it with sadaqa and that is why Allah (swt) said:

Take alms of their wealth, from which you may purify them and make them grow, and pray for them.
Verily, your prayer is an assuagement for them. Allah is The Hearer, The Knower. (Surat at-Tawbah, 9:103)

Finished! If you want something to be done you give sadaqa, as Allah (swt) said, Khudh min amwaalihim sadaqatan, “Take from their money a sadaqa.” You cannot come to the door without a gift; you don’t come to someone without a chocolate, something sweet, you don’t bring salt. “Take sadaqa from them to purify them and clean them,” and then it is the responsibility of the Prophet (s) to purify and clean them and then pray and ask on their behalf.

You see the procedures? Take sadaqa first, make sure that they pay sadaqa in any way, but you have to give, then it is the responsibility of the Prophet (s) as we see in Holy Qur’an, tutahhiruhum wa tuzakkeehim, “to purify them and to clean them,” and “then you (Prophet) pray for them, then you ask on their behalf; when they are oppressors to themselves they come to you and you have to ask on their behalf.”

Wa law annahum idh zhalamoo anfusahum ja’ooka f ’astaghfaroollaaha w ’astaghfara lahumu ‘r-rasoolu la-wajadoo ’Llaaha tawwaaba ‘r-raheema.
If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful. (Surat an-Nisa, 4:64)

“When they are oppressors to themselves, they come to you asking Allah’s forgiveness and then you ask forgiveness on their behalf (then it will be accepted).”

So people say, “Why do you repeat an explanation? You keep explaining and explaining.” It is like persisting in du`a: you say it once and it enters one ear, twice it enters the other ear, three times it enters the heart, say it four times it enters the eyes. So when you take notes of all that we discussed or one line, one sentence when I have discussed five or six sentences, but they say, “What’s the point, we can just summarize in one sentence,” but in every word of explanation there is a tajalli coming, so don’t miss even a comma as the comma is carrying something. Can you omit one letter of the Holy Qur’an? No way! And for awliyaullah you cannot omit anything they are saying as you don’t know on which word the tajalli is coming. And the Holy Qur’an is an ocean. The knowledge of all `ulama is a drop of that ocean! Listen to why it is an ocean (quotes from book):

`an abeehi ana rasoolullahi (s) sami`a rajulan yaqool, Sami`a rajulun yaqool: allahumma innee asaluka, bi annee ash-hadu annaka anta allahu laa ilaaha illa anta al-ahadu as-samad, alladhee lam yalid wa lam yulad wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad! Qaala: Laqad sa’alat Allaha bi ‘l-ismihi ’l-`azham alladhee idhaa su’il bihi aa`ataa wa idhaa dui`a bihi ajaab.
From of `Abdullah Ibn Buraydah (r) that the Prophet (s) heard a man say this du`a: “O Allah! I am asking you and witness that you are Allah! There is none to be worshipped except Allah, The Unique that is Not Dependent on Anyone and The One Who does not give birth nor is given birth and there is no one associated with Him.” And the Prophet (s) said, Verily he asked Allah by His Greatest Name that If he asks by that Name he will be granted and if he invokes Allah by it he will be answered.”

And what did the Prophet (s) say when that person read that du`a that we will read it again after this. What did Prophet (s) say?

That man has asked Allah (swt) with His Greatest Name through which if anyone asks Him by that Name it will be given and if he invokes Allah by it He will be answered.

And Sayyidina Musa (a) asked Allah, “Teach me Your Greatest Name (because the Greatest Name is when you say to a thing “kun fayakoon!- Be! and it will be”), and Allah said, “No, that is not for you, that is for Habeebi Muhammad.”

I will mention another hadith from Sahih Ibn al-Habban and in Sunan Tirmidhi:

And the Prophet (s) said, “He has asked Allah by means of His Greatest Name,” and we are asking Allah by His Greatest Name and by the means of Prophet (s), and by our shuyookh, Sayyidee Shaykh `AbdAllah Fa’iz ad-Daghestani (q), Sayyidee Shaykh Muhammad Nazim al-Haqqani (q) to forgive us an-natadha fee hadhi ‘l-majlisi inna mareedan…al-fatihah! Give us victory over evil-doing folk and grant us long life to reach the time of Sayyidina al-Mahdi (q) and Sayyidina `Isaa (a), and we ask Allah the best of what the Prophet (s) asked the best of, and we ask protection from the worst of what the Prophet (s) asked protection from, and we ask to be with him in this life and the Next and to drink from his Pond a drink after which there is no more thirst forever.

How very ignorant we are and how much Sahaabah (r) with one du`a were able to make du`a by Ismullah al-`Azham! We are only eating, drinking and sleeping.

]]>http://natheal.com/spirituality/conditions-and-how-to-perfect-your-supplication/feed/0Tribute to Rumi & Mawlana Shaykh Nazimhttp://natheal.com/uncategorized/tribute-to-rumi-mawlana-shaykh-nazim/
http://natheal.com/uncategorized/tribute-to-rumi-mawlana-shaykh-nazim/#commentsFri, 20 Apr 2012 20:13:02 +0000http://naturalhealingalternatives.com/?p=1810A beautiful event was held at Yale University last night. Hundreds of people from all backgrounds and from all walks of life came together for an evening of Sufi Meditation, Remembrance, and Healing. Shaykh Bapak Waleed lead and hosted the event which was a tribute to the great Sufi poet and Scholar, Jalaluddin Rumi, and to two pillars of Sufi Wisdom, Secrets, Bleassings, and Peace in our time, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham, and Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Haqqani of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi Sufi Order.

Sh. Bapak Waleed returned from an extended tour of Southeast Asia, and other points overseas, just to conduct this blessed event. He brought the warmest greetings and love from the Mureeds (students) of Southeast Asia toward Mawlana Shaykh Hisham and Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Haqqani.

This gala affair was a unique and special event featuring video documentary, poetry readings in both Pharsi and English, authentic traditional music with the ney (reed flute) and bender (hand drum), Chanting of the Mystic Heart meditation, and of course, the whirling dervish dance in accompaniment. Never before had such and evening taken place at Yale, and so many of the audience expressed their sep appreciation of the event. Many said that they had been seeking this kind of gathering for some time, but had not found one before now. Those with illness or stress felt better by the end of the night, and they felt the benefit of the healing and the blessings. Some attendees spoke of how they had met Mawlana Shaykh Nazim in the past and that the feeling during this session was similar to what they felt at that time. Throughout the evening, the participants were showered in blessings and healing of remembrance through the recitation of sufi poetry, the performance of traditional sufi music, the mystic chanting, and the whirling.

At the conclusion of the formal program, everyone was invited to stay and share, and partake of the refreshments provided. Many took the opportunity to approach Shaykh Bapak Waleed and express their gratitude and ask his advice. Dozens of people stayed long after to share their and continue to receive the blessings. By the end of the night, everyone felt a greater sense of peace and connectedness, and they expressed their sincere gratitude as they departed.

]]>http://natheal.com/uncategorized/tribute-to-rumi-mawlana-shaykh-nazim/feed/0Flourish in Spring with Yolateshttp://natheal.com/holistic/flourish-in-spring-with-yolates/
http://natheal.com/holistic/flourish-in-spring-with-yolates/#commentsMon, 11 Apr 2011 16:36:25 +0000http://naturalhealingalternatives.com/?p=72Yoga and Pilates have long been a favorite amongst women the world over and can have fantastic effects on your entire respiratory and core muscle system.

Here, we look at combining the best of both worlds and bring you fantastic techniques and ways to get you in a perfect state of mind, body and soul.

Yoga

Deep breathing and meditation can alter our psychological state and help us to put things into perspective. When in a relaxation mode, our heart rate can slow down and the feelings of anxiety experienced during stressful situations are calmed. Breathing is an involuntary action, which done deeply can induce a relaxation response which can positively affect our metabolic rate, respiratory function, blood pressure, emotional state, hormones, aging, and our appetite.

It can:

Revitalize the immune system (rid the body of toxins)

Transform apathy and depression by oxygenating the brain

Improve blood circulation, awaken the cells in the body which aid to carry away metabolic waste

Improve metabolic rate – the speed in which the body burns fat – Dr. Kyrin Hall specifically encourages the use of Couture Curves to help speed up the natural process of the body’s metabolic rate.

Breathing Exercise

Get comfortable, ideally lying flat on your back with knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Consciously relax your face, especially around your eyes and mouth. Place your hands on your abdomen, next to each other, then practice breathing outwards and towards your hands. Observe the quality of the air as it enters and leaves the body. Keep the mouth closed and breathe through the nose. The ultimate aim is to slow the breathing down to two breaths per minute.

Deriving its roots from the ancient teachings of India, the word yoga originates from the Sanskrit word yuj meaning “to unite”. Yoga integrates the body, breathing, and the mind. There are many styles ranging from Hatha yoga, gentler stretching to Asthanga (a more cardiovascular exercise) and strengthening practice. The teaching of yoga is often accompanied by a meditation practice and can invigorate your mental state drastically.

Pilates

Pilates is a series of exercises that also teaches awareness of breathing and the alignment of the spine. Started by Joseph Pilates during the first world war, Pilates aims to condition the body by strengthening core abdominal muscles, using the control of the breathing techniques with flowing movements. This can be done on a reformer (machine) or a mat.

It can:

Be suitable for women with low bone mineral density, who are prone to osteoporosis **

Improve postural alignment – achieved through the strengthening of the core muscles

Promote mind-body awareness, releases endorphins – feel good energy

Good for weight loss, stimulates connective tissues which helps to breaks down fat

Tones the body in a uniformed manner

Check out www.yogabird.com for more info or to get in contact with Dr. Kyrin Hall.

Pilates Exercise – The Hundred

Lie on your back with knees bent and maintain a neutral spine. Extend the legs forward along the floor, without the lower spine lifting off the mat. Take your arms alongside your body and lift your legs off the floor. Gently pump the arms up and down a few inches, in unison with your breath. Keep your abdominals scooped inwards. Do a cycle of 10 full breaths. Each cycle is five short inhalations and then five short exhalations. The Hundred requires the coordination of the breath with the movement and it is often used as a dynamic warm-up for the abdominals and lungs.

Engaging in a practice of Yoga or Pilates helps to promote strong mind-body connection. Aid one in developing mindfulness and the realization that we are working not just on our bodies but also on our minds, which enables us to develop qualities like focus, patience, discipline and gratitude.

]]>http://natheal.com/holistic/flourish-in-spring-with-yolates/feed/0Psoriasis – A Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Treatmenthttp://natheal.com/holistic/psoriasis-a-natural-ayurvedic-herbal-treatment/
http://natheal.com/holistic/psoriasis-a-natural-ayurvedic-herbal-treatment/#commentsMon, 11 Apr 2011 16:34:10 +0000http://naturalhealingalternatives.com/?p=69Psoriasis is a prolonged inflammation of the skin. This condition is neither infectious (does not spread from one person to another) nor does it affect the general health. It affects both the genders and may start at any age.

Psoriasis is quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or between 50 and 60.

Causes of Psoriasis

According to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are unknown, but the following factors can trigger psoriasis:

Heredity – If one parent is affected then there is 15% chance for a child to suffer from psoriasis. If both parents are affected then the possibility of a child getting psoriasis is 60%.

Throat infections can trigger psoriasis.

Trauma to the skin such as cuts, bruises or burns may cause psoriasis.

Some medicines or skin irritants initiate psoriasis.

Smoking and alcohol are another two factors which can activate psoriasis.

Mental stress or psychological trauma may also set off psoriasis.

What does Ayurveda say about Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is caused by vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated doshas affect the skin and blood tissues. They also influence the water element of the affected region on the skin. Thus the skin which is influenced by the affected doshas becomes discolored (white or copper coloured), scaly and thin.

Changes that Occur on the Skin during Psoriasis

It takes 27 days for healthy skin to replace itself with new mature skin cells, but the regions of skin affected by psoriasis replace themselves within 3-4 days with plenty of immature skin cells forming thick psoriatic patches.

According to Ayurveda principles the vitiated vata dries the water element of the skin and also initiates rapid growth of skin tissue. The vitiated kapha dosha causes itching on the affected skin. The blood which is affected by vata and kapha adversely influences healing process.

After washing, pat the skin dry, don’t irritate it by rubbing vigorously.

Apply moisturising creams liberally on affected areas after bathing.

Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.

Ayurvedic Tips for Psoriasis

Avoid consuming opposite foods.

Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying, etc.

Do not take a cold water bath immediately after a heavy work out, travelling, a long walk, etc.

Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.

Absolutely do not eat too much salty, sour or acidic foods. Say no to radishes, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and other sour foods.

Avoid sleeping in afternoons.

Always apply besan flour or a herbal scrub instead of soap.

Smear on herbal balm which is infused with vata and kapha balancing herbs.

Keep on applying moisturising gels or creams continuously to maintain the moisture levels of skin.

]]>http://natheal.com/holistic/psoriasis-a-natural-ayurvedic-herbal-treatment/feed/0How to Use Essential Oilshttp://natheal.com/holistic/how-to-use-essential-oils/
http://natheal.com/holistic/how-to-use-essential-oils/#commentsMon, 11 Apr 2011 15:58:27 +0000http://naturalhealingalternatives.com/?p=58There are lots of ways to use essential oils. Simply choose the method that suits you best and enjoy!

Oil Burner (also known as a diffuser or vaporizer)

Oil burners are also known as diffusers or vaporizers – they use heat to vaporize the oil. Fill the bowl with water and add 1-6 drops of essential oil to the water. Either light the candle or switch on the power on electric models. Heat for 10 minutes making sure that the water does not all evaporate. Clean the bowl after use.

Light Bulb Ring

This is a ring made from non-porous material which fits over the bulb of a standard table lamp. Place 1-5 drops of oil in the ring and carefully place it over a cold bulb. Turning the lamp on heats the ring and releases the oils into the air. Be careful not to spill oil on the bulb as essential oils are flammable. Again clean after use.

Water Spray

This method allows you to spray scented water around the room. Use a plant spray filled with water, and add 4 drops of oil for every 300ml of water. Shake the mixture and spray it around the room avoiding wood.

Water Bowl

Fill a bowl with hot water from the kettle. Add 1-9 drops of essential oil. Leave for 10 minutes. The heat from the water will release the aroma.

Each of the diffusion methods works best if you close the windows and doors of the room you are using while releasing the oil.

For You Only

All of the above methods scent a whole room and are great for using at home or when the people around you are open to aromatherapy. Sometimes though you may need a more discreet method – if you work in a shared office for example. The ideal method in this situation is to put 1-3 drops of oil on to a tissue and inhale when required.

Walk into a chemist in any town today and, along with familiar items such as shampoo and cotton buds, you are likely to find a bewildering array of little brown bottles containing small amounts of essential oil, each claiming to have their own specific therapeutic qualities, some will help you to relax, some help to stimulate, some improve the appetite, and some improving stiff joints.

The principle of aromatherapy involves the use of one or more of these essential oils, which are extracted from the root, stem, flower or any other part of a plant, to treat individual or collective ailments. The oils can be absorbed by the body in the form of massage, compresses, skin creams, by bathing or saunas or by inhalation in the form of burners, sprays, and candles.

Aromatherapy History

The practise of using these oils to balance the mind and body goes back many thousands of years. Ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian civilisations are known to have used oils extensively and, as the centuries progressed, the use of oils in the perfume industry grew steadily. The wonderfully effective march of orthodox medicine over the past hundred years meant the effects and benefits of essential oils were generally forgotten in the West, becoming the preserve of the hippy dippy culture.

However, over the last few years there has been a remarkable resurgence of interest in these misunderstood yet powerful natural remedies. As a society we are perhaps becoming less and less willing to pop pills hoping our problems go away, lots more of us are seeing our own difficulties in a more holistic light, that’s to say we are becoming much more aware of the whole picture, mind body and spirit.

What Happens in a Typical Aromatherapy Session?

When visiting a qualified aromatherapist, the chances are you’ll be visiting for a massage. The first session is likely to take between one and a half to two hours and the therapist will sit down with you and take a detailed medical consultation helping them to understand your past and current medical history. The aromatherapist would probably take particular interest in how you feel on the day, what aches and pains you have, whether you are happy, sad, lively or lethargic and what you want to achieve during the session.

A blend of esential oils will be discussed and these oils will be mixed with base or carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, wheat germ or grape seed. This blend will be specific for you and your condition on that day. If you go to see the same aromatherapist regularly they might decide to subtly change the blend each time you visit.

The therapist would generally leave the room to wash their hands whilst you climb up onto a couch and cover yourself with a large towel or two. Aromatherapy massage differs from the more conventional Swedish or sports style in that there is very little deep muscle work, because the blend of oils should do the work for the therapist. Instead, it’s likely to be slow, soft and rhythmic. The body absorbs the essential oils and they start to work, relaxing the muscles, stimulating the mind, improving appetite and so on. The therapist will generally take your lead as to whether to talk during the session; some clients like to chat and others prefer peace and quiet or a little light music. The room is likely to be calm, warm and dark, helping to relax and sooth. The actual massage might take up to an hour and a half; at the end the therapist would leave the room to wash enabling the client to dress.

On returning the aromatherapist is likely to offer some advice for the next twenty four hours – helping the client to get the very best from the treatment. Longer term advice tends to begin after a few sessions, as the therapist and client begin to establish trust and rapport. Professional treatments rarely stop once you leave the clinic, most good therapists will offer advice on longer term preventative steps the clients could take to improve their quality of life.

Who can Benefit from Aromatherapy?

I am often asked “who aromatherapy is suitable for?” In my experience this would be most people!

There are of course certain conditions where essential oils are not recommended. One of the worrying aspects of the wide availability of essential oils is that these cautions are often brushed aside. For example, some oils are particularly unhelpful for epileptics, people on specific medications, those with sensitive skin, those with blood pressure difficulties, heart conditions, or kidney damage. Many essential oils should be avoided totally during pregnancy.

The adage “if in doubt leave it out” seems to be very appropriate for aromatherapy! The alternative seems to be visiting a qualified professional aromatherapist and getting the job done right first time!

Black seed oil is an oil derived by pressing the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant. The seeds are also commonly referred to as black cumin. The nutrient-rich oil of black seed has been used for hundreds of years in the Middle East and South Asia as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

What are the Benefits of Black Seed Oil?

Studies have shown that black seed oil is an effective anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory remedy. As a result, it is often used to fight infections and strengthen the immune system, which is suitable for treating the following conditions:

headaches

toothaches

nasal congestion

colds and flus

digestive and gastrointestinal problems

hair and skin problems

allergies

diabetes

Black seed oil has also been found to be effective at promoting menstruation and increasing milk production. For most ailments, the recommended daily dosage is one teaspoon of black seed oil per day. The oil can be mixed in warm or cold drinks, or it can be added on top of many foods right before consuming. It can also be used topically as a chest rub for respiratory problems.

Uses of Black Seed Oil

Allergies

Black Seed Oil acts as an antihistamine which helps to reduce the common symptoms of allergies (watery eyes, sneezing). Simply take half a teaspoon of oil twice a day when allergy symptoms begin to appear.

Flu and Fever

Black Seed Oil has been found to help reduce fever, by inducing perspiration which helps the body cool and stimulate the release of toxins. Take one teaspoon of Black Seed Oil once a day when flu/fever systems occur. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Boils and Carbuncles

Studies have shown that the anti-fungal properties of Black Seed Oil and its active component Thymoquinone help strengthen the immune system and cure many common skin infections including boils and carbuncles. Simply take half a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil twice daily (you can mix it into a hot or cold beverage).

Cough and Asthma Relief

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of Black Seed Oil help treat the symptoms of acute asthma and coughs by relaxing bronchial muscles. For asthma, mix a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil in boiling water and inhale the vapor twice a day. For dry coughs, mix a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil into a cup of ginger tea and drink this twice a day. For other types of coughs, massage a small amount of the oil over the center of your chest.

Diarrhea

High Blood Pressure

The active ingredients in black seed oil have been found to be effective in reducing high blood pressure.

Insomnia

Studies have shown that Black Seed Oil can help eliminate sleep disorders. Simply mix a teaspoon of black seed oil into a hot drink one hour before bed time for a good night’s sleep.

Muscle Cramps and Spasms

Black Seed Oil has been found to contain strong anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Therefore, it is effective at preventing or easing muscle spasms and cramps. Simply massage Black Seed Oil onto the affected area once in the morning and once before going to bed. You can alternatively add one teaspoon of Black Seed Oil in a cup of chamomile tea and drink it at night.

Nausea and Upset Stomach

Studies have shown that Black Seed Oil acts as a wonderful remedy for stomach ailments by stimulating digestion and inducing the expulsion of gas. For nausea and upset stomachs, mix half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with half a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil and take this twice a day.

Toothaches

Black seed oil’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are great for treating toothaches.

What are the Side Effects of Black Seed Oil?

There are no known side effects of Black Seed Oil if it is taken moderately. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Where and How to Buy Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is available at most health food stores, as well as through online shops (see below). The oil should appear dark yellow or amber in colour. It can also be found in seed form or as capsules.

]]>http://natheal.com/holistic/black-seed-oil-health-benefits/feed/0Introduction to Acupuncturehttp://natheal.com/holistic/introduction-to-acupuncture/
http://natheal.com/holistic/introduction-to-acupuncture/#commentsTue, 01 Feb 2011 23:12:21 +0000http://786team.info/nathealcms/?p=19Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of needles at specific points. These acupuncture points are said to lie along meridians, channels guiding the flow of qi, or “life energy“. Its practitioners variously claim that it relieves pain, treats infertility, treats disease, prevents disease, promotes general health, or can be used for therapeutic purposes.[1] Acupuncture typically incorporates traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an integral part of its practice and theory. The earliest written record of acupuncture is the Chinese text Shiji (史記, English: Records of the Grand Historian), with elaboration of its history in the second century BCE medical text Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經, English: Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon).[2] Different variations of acupuncture are practiced and taught throughout the world.

The acupuncture points are located on what are what TCM describs as paths (“meridians“) where the qi, or “life energy” flows. Ideas of what constitutes “health” and “healing” sometimes differ from concepts used in scientific, evidence based medicine. Acupuncture was developed prior to the science of anatomy and the cell theory upon which the science of biology is based, and disease is believed to be caused by an imbalance of yin and yang caused by a blockage or stagnation of qi, not by infectious agents. Meridians and acupuncture points were determined observationally[citation needed] and metaphysically,[3] and do not correspond to any anatomical structure. No force corresponding to qi (or yin and yang) has been found in the sciences of physics or human physiology.[3][4][5][6][7]

The Art of Meditation

If you’re searching for a cure for stress and anxiety, look no further than your own mind. The calming mental practice of meditation is a powerful tool; practiced regularly, it can induce a state of awareness, serenity and well-being.

The following simple brain games will enable you to flex your mental muscles, improve your concentration and revive your spirit. This is what total fitness is all about.

Try to stop thinking. If thoughts do come up — as they likely will — observe them without getting involved. Instead, concentrate on your breathing, a visual image or a mantra.

10-Minute Meditation

First, get comfortable, either seated or lying down, and close your eyes. As you begin to breathe rhythmically, imagine your body relaxing. Inhale fresh, clean oxygen; exhale negativity and tension out. With each breath, imagine your entire body letting go. If you have trouble staying centered, picture a beautiful place, such as a beach, to focus your mind. Imagine the smell of the air and water, feel the warmth of the sun and sand around your body. Now begin with your feet: Clench your toes and release them a few times, then let them relax. Move up your body in the same fashion — tense and relax your legs, hips, hands, arms, spine, chest and neck. Let the tension melt from between your eyes and soften your mouth. If you notice any particular knots of tension, “breathe” into these spots as you exhale, allowing them to unwind. Once your body is completely relaxed, you’ll notice it’s easier to quiet the mental chatter that comes with constant stimuli and tension. Rouse yourself out of this space slowly; it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Less Than 10:

One-minute respites and five-minute breaks

Use these easy techniques to get a quick energy boost, focus our mind and release stress.

Say “Om”: Chant a mantra (such as “om” or another repetitive word or phrase) to quiet your mind and get you focused in the zone.

Breathe Easy: Inhale and exhale through your nose, creating a rhythmic pattern that lengthens progressively. Inhale for four counts, exhale for four counts; then inhale for five counts, exhale for five counts, and so on.

Move and Repeat: Along with your breathing, repetitive movement like walking, jogging, swimming or t’ai chi can be used to induce a meditative state.